Connecting a portable computing device to a vehicle by comparing a captured image of a vehicle indicator with stored images of known vehicle indicators

ABSTRACT

A vehicle wireless connection system, the system comprising: at least one portable computing device (PCD), wherein the PCD includes: at least one camera, wherein the camera is configured to capture an image of a vehicle indicator on a vehicle to capture a vehicle indicator image; at least one memory including a certification data file having one or more authorization certificates; at least one PCD processor configured to receive the vehicle indicator image and execute a sign-on application, wherein the sign-on application is further configured to: compare the vehicle indicator image with one or more stored images; when the vehicle indicator image is the same as one of the one or more stored images, direct the PCD to connect to the vehicle; and when the authorization certificates are determined valid, connect the PCD to the vehicle at a wireless access point to provide access to some or all vehicle information.

BACKGROUND

Aircrafts, typically, have built-in information (computer/avionics)systems for use by aircraft crew members and maintenance personnel. Thetablet and laptop computer and smartphone explosion has caused airlinesand original equipment manufacturers (OEM) to make use of such devicesto sign into these avionic and maintenance systems on the aircraft.Aircraft crew members and maintenance personnel are permitted to signonto aircraft information systems through a wireless interface andperform information transfers and vehicle maintenance using a portablecomputing device (PCD).

However, in the presence of multiple aircrafts on the same tarmac, auser may inadvertently sign onto the wrong wireless-equipped aircraft,and thus download from, or interact with the wrong aircraft. To reducethe likelihood of such errors, conventional systems generally requirethe user to select a connection facility, and enter a service setidentifier (SSID) and a password corresponding to that connectionfacility. However, some erroneous logins may still occur when personnelare authorized to access multiple co-located aircraft.

SUMMARY

A vehicle wireless connection system is provided. The system comprises:at least one portable computing device (PCD), wherein the PCD includes:at least one camera, wherein the camera is configured to capture animage of a vehicle indicator on a vehicle to capture a vehicle indicatorimage; at least one memory including a certification data file havingone or more authorization certificates; at least one PCD processorconfigured to receive the vehicle indicator image and execute a sign-onapplication, wherein the sign-on application is further configured to:compare the vehicle indicator image with one or more stored images; whenthe vehicle indicator image is the same as one of the one or more storedimages, direct the PCD to connect to the vehicle; and when theauthorization certificates are determined valid, connect the PCD to thevehicle at a wireless access point to provide access to some or allvehicle information.

DRAWINGS

Understanding that the drawings depict only exemplary embodiments andare not therefore to be considered limiting in scope, the exemplaryembodiments will be described with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an example of a vehicle wireless connection system accordingto one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram showing an exemplary method used for connectingto a vehicle system according to one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

In accordance with common practice, the various described features arenot drawn to scale but are drawn to emphasize specific features relevantto the exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown byway of illustration specific illustrative embodiments. However, it is tobe understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical,mechanical, and electrical changes may be made. Furthermore, the methodpresented in the drawing figures and the specification is not to beconstrued as limiting the order in which the individual steps may beperformed. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to betaken in a limiting sense.

Embodiments of the present disclosure address the need to provideeffective wireless access to vehicle information using portableelectronic devices. Often, airport configurations include multipleaircrafts in immediate vicinity of each other. Because of the presenceof multiple wireless access points, it is possible for an aircraftpersonnel (such as maintenance, pilot, or crew member) to mistakenlysign-in to the router of the wrong avionics system in an attempt toobtain information related to the aircraft. For example, a maintenancepersonnel may be responsible for performing checks on two aircrafts. Theportable computing device of the maintenance personnel may be withinrange of the wireless access points of both aircrafts. The maintenancepersonnel may be signed on to the access point of the first aircraftwhile performing checks on the first aircraft. When the maintenancepersonnel proceeds to perform checks on the second aircraft, theportable computing device may automatically connect to the access pointand maintenance system of the first aircraft since the portablecomputing device is within the range of the access point of the firstaircraft. Further, exemplary embodiments described herein significantlyspeed up the process of signing onto a vehicle system, while insuringthat the portable computing device is connected to the correct aircraftby providing an application for the PCD that automatically connects thePCD with the vehicle.

In the exemplary embodiments described herein, a portable computingdevice (PCD) captures an image of a vehicle indicator. The image of thevehicle indicator is compared with one or more images that werepreviously stored. Each of the stored images correspond to sign oncredentials for a respective vehicle. When the image of the vehicleindicator matches the stored image, the PCD is connected to a wirelessaccess point of the respective vehicle associated with the stored imageand given access to certain information about the respective vehicle. Inexemplary embodiments described herein, the wireless access pointcomplies with one of the following wireless standards: Wi-Fi, cellularphone number or Zigby. In exemplary embodiments, the wireless accesspoint complies with any other appropriate means of wireless datatransport.

FIG. 1 is an example of a vehicle sign-on system 100 including at leastone portable computing device (PCD) 130. PCD 130 includes a camera 132and at least one application 150 that uses the camera 132 to capture avehicle indicator image 151. In exemplary embodiments, PCD 130 could bea smartphone, a tablet, or any other portable electronic device (PED).

In exemplary embodiments, application 150 is stored in memory 155 andexecuted in at least one processor 120. In exemplary embodiments, the atleast one processor 120 implements at least some of the processingdescribed herein. In exemplary embodiments, the at least one processor120 includes at least one programmable processor, such as amicroprocessor, a microcontroller, an application-specific integratedcircuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), afield-programmable object array (FPOA), or a programmable logic device(PLD). The at least one processor 120 described above may include orfunction with software programs, firmware or other computer readableinstructions for carrying out various methods, process tasks,calculations, and control functions, described herein. Theseinstructions are typically stored on any appropriate computer readablemedium used for storage of computer readable instructions or datastructures, such as memory 155. The computer readable medium can beimplemented as any available media that can be accessed by a generalpurpose or special purpose computer or processor, or any programmablelogic device. Suitable processor-readable media may include storage ormemory media such as magnetic or optical media. For example, storage ormemory media may include conventional hard disks, Compact Disk-Read OnlyMemory (CD-ROM), volatile or non-volatile media such as Random AccessMemory (RAM) (including, but not limited to, Synchronous Dynamic RandomAccess Memory (SDRAM), Double Data Rate (DDR) RAM, RAMBUS Dynamic RAM(RDRAM), Static RAM (SRAM), etc.), Read Only Memory (ROM), ElectricallyErasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), and flash memory, etc. Suitableprocessor-readable media may also include transmission media such aselectrical, electromagnetic, or digital signals, conveyed via acommunication medium such as a network and/or a wireless link.

In exemplary embodiments, PCD 130 further includes certification datafile 190 that includes one or more authorization certificates.Certification data file 190 is used for identifying PCD 130 and/or therole of the PCD user using PCD 130 in order to provide access toapplication 150. Contents of certification data file 190 may includeimages (such as person image 196) and/or digital certificate(s) 198.Person image 196 may be used to grant access based on, for example,facial recognition. Digital certificate(s) 198 may include but are notlimited to version, holder, issuer, serial number, validity period, andattributes. In exemplary embodiments, certification data file 190 ispre-loaded on PCD 130 prior to use of the PCD. In exemplary embodiments,a PCD user loads certification data file 190 on PCD 130 when runningapplication 150 on PCD 130 for the first time. In exemplary embodiments,certification data file 190 can be used to verify access, identity,permissions, etc. In exemplary embodiments, digital certificate(s) 198may be a public key infrastructure (PKI) certificate.

Application 150 further includes a display 158 visible to a PCD user.Application 150 displays at least a sign-on button 194 on display 158.When sign-on button 194 is selected (e.g., by touching the region ofdisplay 158 containing sign-on button 194), vehicle indicator image 151is compared with stored images 174. In exemplary embodiments,application 150 further causes camera 132 to capture an image within theview of camera 132 when sign-on button 194 is selected. That is, in suchexamples, the PCD user aims the camera at the vehicle indicator andselects the sign-on button 194. Upon selecting the sign-on button 194,an image of the vehicle indicator is captured by camera 132 and avehicle indicator image 151 is generated and stored in memory 155. Thisvehicle indicator image 151 is then compared with stored images 174 togain access to sign-on credentials 176 (such as SSID, password, etc.)and connect PCD 130 with wireless access point 115 of vehicle 110.

In exemplary embodiments, application 150 causes a capture button to bedisplayed on display 158. In such an embodiment, when capture button 134is selected, application 150 causes camera 132 to capture a vehicleindicator image 151. In this embodiment, after vehicle indicator image151 has been captured, the sign-on button 194 can be selected to gainaccess to sign-on credentials 176 of vehicle 110 and connect to wirelessaccess point 115 of vehicle 110.

In exemplary embodiments, when the capture button 134 is selected,application 150 causes at least one of a vehicle indicator entry button144 and user image entry 142 to be displayed on display 158. When avehicle indicator entry button 144 is selected, application 150 causescamera 132 to capture a vehicle indicator image 151, and a sign-onbutton 194 can be selected to gain access to sign-on credentials 176 ofvehicle 110. When a user image entry button 142 is selected, application150 causes camera 132 to capture a person image 196 and saves it inmemory 155 as a certification data file 190.

In exemplary embodiments, when the capture button 134 is selected,application 150 causes camera 132 to capture an image. After the imageis captured, application 150 causes a vehicle indicator entry button 144and/or a user image entry button 142 to be displayed on display 158.Vehicle indicator entry button 144 can be selected to designate theimage captured by camera 132 as vehicle indicator image 151. User imageentry button 142 can be selected to designate the image captured bycamera 132 as person image 196 and is saved as a certification data file190 in memory 155.

In exemplary embodiments, application 150 causes a sign-on button 194 tobe displayed on display 158 after a vehicle indicator image entry button144 is selected. The sign-on button 194 can be selected to gain accessto sign-on credentials 176 of vehicle 110 and connect to wireless accesspoint 115 of vehicle 110.

Vehicle indicator image 151 is an image that has been captured of avehicle indicator on vehicle 110. In exemplary embodiments, the vehicleindicator is any symbol, character or number that identifies vehicle110, the vehicle that the PCD user using PCD 130 is trying to connectto. In exemplary embodiments, the vehicle indicator is a symbol,character or number that identifies the role of the user of PCD 130attempting to obtain access. In exemplary embodiments, the vehicleindicator may be a sticker, painting or an applique disposed on asurface of vehicle 110. The surface of vehicle 110 including the vehicleindicator may be either interior or exterior of the vehicle 110. Inexemplary embodiments, the vehicle indicator may be disposed on morethan one location in vehicle 110. In exemplary embodiments, the vehicleindicator includes an optical character recognition symbol (such as theones found on airline boarding passes), a bar code, an aircraft tailnumber or any unique symbol, character or number.

In exemplary embodiments, vehicle indicator image 151 is stored in anapplication memory 155 by application 150 for later retrieval. Forexample, if PCD 130 is disconnected from the system of vehicle 110, theuser may be able to reconnect PCD 130 to vehicle 110 without having torecapture the vehicle indicator image 151.

PCD 130 further includes a PCD processor 120. After an image 151 of thevehicle indicator is captured, the vehicle indicator image 151 is sentto a PCD processor 120 through selection of sign-on button 194. PCDprocessor 120 receives vehicle indicator image 151 and a databaseincluding one or more stored images 174. The database is included in amemory 175 and each of the stored images 174 is associated with sign-oncredentials 176 (such as SSID, password, etc.) for a respective vehicleand/or role of a respective PCD user. In exemplary embodiments, memory175 is included in PCD 130 and coupled with PCD processor 120. PCDprocessor 120 compares the vehicle indicator image 151 with storedimages 174. When the vehicle indicator image 151 is the same as one ofthe stored images 174, PCD 130 accesses the sign-on credentials 176associated with the respective stored image 174 and uses thesecredentials 176 to direct an automated sign-on without a need for dataentry by the PCD user.

In exemplary embodiments, application 150 causes a login entry 138 to bedisplayed on display 158. In such an embodiment, the PCD user inputs alogin code 158 into login entry 138. Login code 158 is entered intologin entry 138 using an input device (such as keyboard, keys on touchscreen of PCD, etc.). Application 150 is able to identify the role ofthe PCD user based on the login code 158 entered. In such an embodiment,PCD processor 120 compares the vehicle indicator image 151 with adatabase of stored images 174, wherein the database of stored images 174includes only the stored images that are accessible by the PCD useridentified using the login code 158. In exemplary embodiments, logincode 158 is stored in memory 155.

Stored images 174 include symbols, characters and numbers for one ormore vehicles, each stored image associated with sign-on credentials 176for a respective vehicle and/or role of a respective PCD user. Thedatabase of stored images can be set up and maintained by a vehiclemanufacturer, an operator (such as an airline) or a third party. Inexemplary embodiments, the database of stored images 174 is pre-loadedand/or updated on PCD 130 prior to running application 150.

In exemplary embodiments, memory 175, database of stored images 174 andsign-on credentials 176 are stored on a central server 170 that isaccessible by PCD 130. Central server 170 can be maintained by vehicleoperator (such as an airline), an OEM (such as a vehicle manufacturer)or a third party that provides a service to the operator or the OEM.Central server 170 is coupled with application 150 and includes a memory175 that stores stored images 174 and sign-on credentials 176. Inexemplary embodiments, upon selecting sign-on button 194, central server170 sends the database of stored images 174 and the correspondingsign-on credentials 176 to application 150. PCD processor 130 performscomparison of vehicle indicator image 151 with stored images 174. Whenvehicle indicator image 151 is the same as one of the stored images 174,PCD 130 accesses sign-on credentials 176 associated with the respectivestored image 174 and uses these credentials 176 to direct an automatedsign-on without a need for data entry by the PCD user.

In exemplary embodiments, upon selecting sign-on button 194, application150 sends vehicle indicator image 151 to central server 170 and centralserver 170 performs comparison of vehicle indicator image 151 withstored images 174 using a central server processor 178 that is includedin central server 170. In such an example, central server processor 178is coupled to memory 175. When vehicle indicator image 151 is the sameas one of the stored images 174, processor 178 directs central server170 to send the sign-on credentials 176 associated with the respectivestored image 174 to PCD 130. PCD 130 uses these credentials 176 todirect an automated sign-on without a need for data entry by the PCDuser to connect to vehicle 110 at wireless access point 115.

In exemplary embodiments, one or more certificates in certification datafile 190 of PCD 130 are received by central server 170, and afterdetermining which stored image 174 is the same as vehicle indicatorimage 151, central server processor 178 determines if one or morecertificates in certification data file 190 are valid for connection tovehicle 110, wherein vehicle 110 is the vehicle associated with matchedstored image 174. In exemplary embodiments, central server is configuredto store facial images. In one such embodiment, when the certificate inthe certification data file 190 received by the central server is aperson image 196, the central server processor 178 compares it with thestored facial images to determine if the certificate is valid and if theuser in the received person image 196 is authorized to have access tosign-on credentials 176 for wireless access point 115 of vehicle 110.

In exemplary embodiments, login code 158 is received by central server170, and central server processor 178 retrieves stored images 174 frommemory 175 based on login code 158. That is, central server processor178 identifies the role of the PCD user based on login code entered,retrieves from the database of stored images 174 in memory 175 thestored images that are accessible by the PCD user identified using thelogin code 158, and compares the retrieved stored images with vehicleindicator image 151. In exemplary embodiments, central server 170 iswirelessly coupled to PCD 130. In further exemplary embodiments, centralserver 170 is connected to PCD 130 using a cellular wireless network. Inexemplary embodiments, central server 170 provides certification datafile 190 to the PCD 130 based on the login code 158 and/or the vehicleindicator image 151.

In one embodiment, the vehicle indicator identifies vehicle 110 that PCD130 is attempting to connect with as well as the role of the PCD userattempting to access information of vehicle 110. Thus, in exemplaryembodiments, the sign-on credentials 176 associated to the stored imagemay be a role specific assignment. For example, a vehicle indicator maybe a number associated with a pilot of a particular aircraft. Thisnumber may be located on a pilot seat within the cockpit of theparticular aircraft. Thus, when using this number as the vehicleindicator, application 150 will connect to vehicle 110 as a pilot,providing user of PCD 130 access to pilot related information such asweather, fuel of the aircraft, etc.

A PCD user is anyone who uses a PCD and may desire access to vehicleinformation. The PCD user must have authorization to connect to a givenwireless access point of a vehicle and access vehicle information. Inexemplary embodiments, when the vehicle is an aircraft, a PCD user mayinclude pilots, flight attendants, other airline crew, technical crew(such as engineers), maintenance personnel, vendors or any persondealing with logistics, maintenance or control of the vehicle. Inexemplary embodiments, a PCD user may include passengers of an airline.For example, when a PCD user is a passenger, a vehicle indicator may bea symbol located on the back of a passenger seat. The passenger isdirected to use application 150 to capture an image of a vehicleindicator to activate and connect to a wireless access point of vehicle110.

In exemplary embodiments, a single vehicle indicator may be used by PCDusers in different roles requiring different vehicle information. Insuch examples, PCD 130 may be connected to vehicle 110 in a rolespecific capacity based on login code 158. For example, a vehicleindicator may be an aircraft tail number that may be used by crewmembers and maintenance personnel. Maintenance personnel may requireaccess to aircraft information such as brake checks, fuel levels, etc.whereas the crew member (such as a lead flight attendant) of theaircraft may require access to information regarding duty free items,drinks, snacks, etc. available onboard. When the lead flight attendantenters login code 158, the role of the lead flight attendant isidentified by application 150, the image of the aircraft tail number iscompared with stored images 174 to identify the aircraft, and thesign-on credentials 176 associated with the image of the aircraft tailnumber are provided to application 150. Application 150 then connectsPCD 130 to wireless access point 115 of vehicle 110 and has access tovehicle information 118, vehicle information 118 pertaining to role ofthe PCD user. Thus, in the given example, vehicle information 118includes information regarding availability of duty free items, drinks,snacks, etc. onboard.

In exemplary embodiments, vehicle 110 may have a plurality of wirelessaccess point(s) 115. In exemplary embodiments, each wireless accesspoint 115 may be accessible based on the role of the user of PCD 130. Insuch embodiments, upon selecting the sign-on button 194, application 150automatically connects PCD 130 to a given wireless access point 115 ofvehicle 110 pertaining to role of the PCD user.

In some embodiments, a PCD user may have access to one or more of the atleast one wireless access point(s) 115. For example, a maintenancepersonnel may have access to wireless access point for maintenancepersonnel, wireless access point for pilot and/or flight crew, andwireless access point for passenger. In such an embodiment, after thesign-on credentials 176 have been received by PCD 130, application 150causes one or more wireless access buttons 188 to be displayed ondisplay 158 to provide the PCD user an option to sign-on to a differentwireless access point 115 on vehicle 110. Selecting the wireless accessbutton 188 automatically connects the PCD user to the selected wirelessaccess point 115 on vehicle 110.

After vehicle indicator image 151 is compared with stored images 174,and PCD 130 has received access to sign-on credentials 176, application150 uses these credentials to direct an automated sign-on to connect towireless access point 115 in vehicle 110. In exemplary embodiments,wireless access point 115 includes a router. After connecting towireless access point 115, a user using PCD 130 has access to some orall of vehicle information 118.

Vehicle information 118 may be stored in a memory 112 of vehicle 110.Vehicle 110 may include a vehicle computer system 185 that includesmemory 113 and a vehicle processor 180. In exemplary embodiments, atwireless access point 115, vehicle 110 receives certification data file190 and sign-on credentials 176 from PCD 130. Vehicle processor 180determines whether one or more certificates in certification data file190 received from PCD 130 are valid. If one or more certificates incertification data file 190 are determined valid, PCD 130 is givenaccess to some or all of vehicle information 118. In exemplaryembodiments, login code 158 entered may also be received by vehicle 110,and based on login code 158, vehicle processor 180 determines the roleof the PCD user and provides access to vehicle information 118pertaining to the role of the PCD user.

In exemplary embodiments, before connecting, a certification data file190 is exchanged with vehicle 110, and vehicle 110 determines if theauthorization certification data file 190 is valid. In exemplaryembodiments, vehicle 110 determines the specific role assigned to theauthorization certification data file 190 before providing access tosome or all of vehicle information 118. In exemplary embodiments, thevehicle computer system 185 stores facial images of a person (such as aPCD user). In exemplary embodiments, when the authorization certificateincluded in the certification data file 190 received by the centralserver is a person image 196, the vehicle processor 180 compares it withthe stored facial images to determine if the certificate is valid and ifthe user in the received person image 196 is authorized to have accessto some or all of vehicle information 118. In exemplary embodiments,when the certification data file 190 is person image 196, vehicle 110uses a facial recognition system to identify the PCD user and determineif the PCD is authorized access to some or all of vehicle information118. In exemplary embodiments, PCD 130 may limit access to application150 by requiring a password to be entered.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram showing exemplary method used for connecting toa vehicle system. As discussed herein, method 200 of FIG. 2 is describedwith respect to examples of vehicle wireless sign-on system shown inFIG. 1. Method 200 shows an exemplary process from perspective of aportable computing device (PCD).

Method 200 begins at block 202 with capturing an image of at least onevehicle indicator. In one embodiment, the image is captured using acamera, such as camera 132. In exemplary embodiments, the vehicleindicator is any symbol, character or number that identifies a vehicle,such as the vehicle 110. In exemplary embodiments, the vehicle indicatoris a symbol, character or number that identifies the role of the user ofa PCD, such as PCD 130. In exemplary embodiments, the vehicle indicatormay be a sticker, painting or an applique. In exemplary embodiments, thevehicle indicator includes an optical character recognition symbol (suchas the ones found on airline boarding passes), a bar code, an aircrafttail number or any unique symbol, character or number. In exemplaryembodiments, the image of the vehicle indicator is stored in a memory,such as memory 155 of PCD 130.

Method 200 then proceeds to block 204 with sending the captured vehicleindicator image to a processor to compare the captured vehicle indicatorimage to one or more stored images. In one embodiment, comparing thecaptured vehicle indicator image includes providing a processor, such asa processor 120 to receive the vehicle indicator image, receive one ormore stored images; and compare the vehicle indicator image to the oneor more stored images. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more storedimages are received from a central server, such as central server 170.In exemplary embodiments, vehicle indicator image is sent to a centralserver, such as a central server 170, wherein the central servercompares the vehicle indicator image to one or more stored images in thecentral server and determines if the vehicle indicator image matches thestored image.

Method 200 proceeds to block 205 with determining if the vehicleindicator image matches the stored image. When vehicle indicator doesnot match the stored image, method 200 proceeds back to block 204 andcompares the next stored image with the vehicle indicator image. Whenone of the one or more stored images matches the vehicle indicatorimage, method 200 proceeds to block 206 with providing a certificationdata file, such as certification data file 190, to the vehicle todetermine validity of the certification data file.

In exemplary embodiments, the certification data file 190 has one ormore authorization certificates that are pre-loaded on PCD 130 prior touse of the application 150 by the user. Contents of certification datafile 190 may include images (such as person image 196) and/or digitalcertificate(s) 198. In exemplary embodiments, certification data file190 can be used to verify access, identity, permissions, etc. Inexemplary embodiments, digital certificate(s) 198 may be a public keyinfrastructure (PKI) certificate. In exemplary embodiments, a user loadscertification data file 190 on PCD 130 when operating application 150 onPCD 130 for the first time. In exemplary embodiments, the one or moreauthorization certificates are provided to a central server, such as acentral server 170, that is configured to determine validity of the oneor more authorization certificates in the certification data file.

Method 200 proceeds to block 207 with determining if the certificationdata file is valid. When the certification data file is not valid,method 200 proceeds to block 208 and access to the wireless access pointon the vehicle is denied. When the certification data file is determinedto be valid, method 200 proceeds to block 210 with connecting to awireless access point on the vehicle, such as wireless access point 115on vehicle 110. The wireless access point complies with one of thefollowing standards: Wi-Fi, cellular phone number, Zigby, or any othermeans of wireless data transport. After connecting to the vehicle, PCD130 has access to vehicle information, such as vehicle information 118.

Example Embodiments

Example 1 includes a vehicle wireless connection system, the systemcomprising: at least one portable computing device (PCD), wherein thePCD includes: at least one camera, wherein the camera is configured tocapture an image of a vehicle indicator on a vehicle to capture avehicle indicator image; at least one memory including a certificationdata file having one or more authorization certificates; at least onePCD processor configured to receive the vehicle indicator image andexecute a sign-on application, wherein the sign-on application isfurther configured to: compare the vehicle indicator image with one ormore stored images; when the vehicle indicator image is the same as oneof the one or more stored images, direct the PCD to connect to thevehicle; and when the one or more authorization certificates aredetermined valid, connect the PCD to the vehicle at a wireless accesspoint to provide access to some or all vehicle information.

Example 2 includes the vehicle wireless connection system of Example 1,wherein the vehicle is an aircraft.

Example 3 includes the vehicle wireless connection system of any ofExamples 1-2, wherein the wireless access point complies with one of thefollowing standards: Wi-Fi, a cellular phone number and Zigby.

Example 4 includes the vehicle wireless connection system of any ofExamples 1-3, wherein the vehicle indicator further comprises at leastone of a symbol, a character, or a number.

Example 5 includes the vehicle wireless connection system of any ofExamples 1-4, wherein the vehicle indicator further comprises an opticalcharacter recognition symbol, a barcode, and an aircraft tail number.

Example 6 includes the vehicle wireless connection system of any ofExamples 1-5, wherein the sign-on application is further configured toinclude a display, wherein the display includes at least one sign-onbutton, wherein when the sign-on button is selected, the vehicle sign-onapplication is configured to: compare the vehicle indicator image withone or more stored images; when the vehicle indicator image is the sameas one of the one or more stored images, direct the PCD to connect tothe vehicle; and when the one or more authorization certificates aredetermined valid, connect the PCD to the vehicle at a wireless accesspoint to provide access to some or all vehicle information.

Example 7 includes the vehicle wireless connection system of any ofExample 6, wherein the display further includes at least one capturebutton coupled to the camera, wherein when selected, the capture buttonis configured to capture a vehicle indicator image.

Example 8 includes the vehicle wireless connection system of any ofExamples 1-7, wherein the one or more authorization certificates furthercomprises a person image, and wherein when the person image isdetermined valid by at least one of a vehicle computer system of thevehicle or a central server, the sign-on application is configured toconnect the PCD to the vehicle at a wireless access point to provideaccess to some or all vehicle information.

Example 9 includes the vehicle wireless connection system of any ofExamples 1-8, wherein vehicle sign-on application further comprises alogin code button, wherein when the login code button is selected and alogin code is entered, the PCD processor is configured to compare thevehicle indicator image to the stored images corresponding to a roleidentified by the login code.

Example 10 includes the vehicle wireless connection system of any ofExamples 1-9, further comprising a central server, wherein the centralserver includes a memory that includes the one or more stored images,and wherein the central server is accessible to the PCD using thesign-on application.

Example 11 includes the vehicle wireless connection system of Example10, wherein the central server includes a central server processor, andwherein the central server processor is configured to: receive thevehicle indicator image from the PCD; retrieve the one or more storedimages; compare the vehicle indicator image with the one or more storedimages; and when the vehicle indicator image is the same as one of theone or more stored images, provide the sign-on application access tosign-on credentials associated with matched stored image.

Example 12 includes the vehicle wireless connection system of any ofExamples 10 and 11, wherein vehicle sign-on application furthercomprises a login code button, wherein when the login code button isselected and a login code is entered, the central server processor isconfigured to retrieve the one or more stored images corresponding torole identified by the login code.

Example 13 includes a method for wirelessly connecting a portablecomputing device (PCD) to a vehicle, the method comprising: capturing animage of at least one vehicle indicator in an application of the PCD;sending the captured vehicle indicator image to a processor to comparethe captured vehicle indicator image to one or more stored images; whenone of the one or more stored images matches the vehicle indicatorimage, providing a certification data file to the vehicle to determinevalidity of one or more authorization certificates in the certificationdata file; and when the one or more authorization certificates in thecertification data file are determined valid, connecting to the vehicleat a wireless access point.

Example 14 includes the method of Example 13, wherein sending capturedvehicle indicator image to a processor further comprises identifying arole of a user using the PCD by processing a login code input into theapplication of the PCD.

Example 15 includes the method of any of Examples 13-14, furthercomprising providing the one or more authorization certificates of thecertification data file to a central server, wherein the central serveris configured to determine validity of the one or more certificates inthe certification data file.

Example 16 includes the method of any of Examples 13-15, wherein sendingthe captured vehicle indicator image to a processor further comprisescausing the processor in the PCD to: receive the vehicle indicatorimage; receive the one or more stored images; and compare the vehicleindicator image to the one or more stored images.

Example 17 includes the method of any of Examples 13-16, wherein atleast one of the one or more authorization certificates in thecertification data file is facial image of a person.

Example 18 includes the method of any of Examples 13-17, whereinproviding certification data file to the vehicle to determine validityof the certification data file further comprises loading thecertification data file on the PCD.

Example 19 includes a program product for implementing a mobileapplication on a portable computing device (PCD), tangibly stored on anon-transitory storage medium, comprising instructions operable to causeat least one programmable processor in the PCD to: capture a vehicleindicator image of at least one vehicle indicator in a vehicle; comparecaptured vehicle indicator image to one or more stored images; when oneof the one or more stored images matches the vehicle indicator image,provide certification data file to the vehicle to determine validity ofthe certificate; and when the certification data file is determinedvalid, connect the PCD to the vehicle at a wireless access point.

Example 20 includes the program product of Example 19, furthercomprising instructions to: store vehicle indicator image in a memory ofthe PCD.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the artthat any arrangement, which is calculated to achieve the same purpose,may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. Therefore, it ismanifestly intended that this invention be limited only by the claimsand the equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle wireless connection system, the systemcomprising: at least one portable computing device (PCD), wherein thePCD includes: at least one camera, wherein the camera is configured tocapture an image of a vehicle indicator on a vehicle to capture avehicle indicator; at least one memory including a certification datafile having one or more authorization certificates; at least oneprocessor configured to receive the captured image of the vehicleindicator and execute a sign-on application, wherein the sign-onapplication is further configured to: compare the captured image of thevehicle indicator with one or more stored images of known vehicleindicators; when the vehicle indicator of the captured image is the sameas or matches one of the known vehicle indicators of the one or morestored images, direct the PCD to connect to the vehicle by transmittingthe certification data file stored on the PCD to a central server or awireless access point of the vehicle; and upon receiving, from thecentral server or the wireless access point of the vehicle, a responsethat the one or more authorization certificates of the transmittedcertification data file are determined valid, connect the PCD to thewireless access point of the vehicle to obtain access to some or allvehicle information at the PCD.
 2. The vehicle wireless connectionsystem of claim 1, wherein the vehicle is an aircraft.
 3. The vehiclewireless connection system of claim 1, wherein the wireless access pointcomplies with one of the following standards: Wi-Fi, a cellular phonenumber and Zigby.
 4. The vehicle wireless connection system of claim 1,wherein the vehicle indicator further comprises at least one of asymbol, a character, or a number.
 5. The vehicle wireless connectionsystem of claim 1, wherein the vehicle indicator further comprises anoptical character recognition symbol, a barcode, and an aircraft tailnumber.
 6. The vehicle wireless connection system of claim 1, whereinthe sign-on application is further configured to include a display,wherein the display includes at least one sign-on button, wherein whenthe sign-on button is selected, the vehicle sign-on application isconfigured to: compare the captured image of the vehicle indicator withone or more stored images of known vehicle indicators; when the vehicleindicator of the captured image is the same as or matches one of theknown vehicle indicators of the one or more stored images, direct thePCD to connect to the vehicle by transmitting the certification datafile stored on the PCD to a central server or a wireless access point ofthe vehicle; and upon receiving, from the central server or the wirelessaccess point of the vehicle, a response that the one or moreauthorization certificates of the transmitted certification data fileare determined valid, connect the PCD to the wireless access point ofthe vehicle to obtain access to some or all vehicle information at thePCD.
 7. The vehicle wireless connection system of claim 6, wherein thedisplay further includes at least one capture button coupled to thecamera, wherein when selected, the capture button is configured tocapture an image of a vehicle indicator.
 8. The vehicle wirelessconnection system of claim 1, wherein the one or more authorizationcertificates further comprises a person image, and wherein when theperson image is determined valid by at least one of a vehicle computersystem of the vehicle or a central server, the sign-on application isconfigured to connect the PCD to the wireless access point of thevehicle to obtain access to some or all vehicle information at the PCD.9. The vehicle wireless connection system of claim 1, wherein vehiclesign-on application further comprises a login code button, wherein whenthe login code button is selected and a login code is entered, the PCDprocessor is configured to compare the captured image of the vehicleindicator to the stored images of known vehicle indicators correspondingto a role identified by the login code.
 10. The vehicle wirelessconnection system of claim 1, further comprising a central server,wherein the central server includes a memory that includes the one ormore stored images of know vehicle indicators, and wherein the centralserver is accessible to the PCD using the sign-on application.
 11. Thevehicle wireless connection system of claim 10, wherein the centralserver includes a central server processor, and wherein the centralserver processor is configured to: receive the captured image of thevehicle indicator from the PCD; retrieve the one or more stored imagesof known vehicle indicators; compare the captured image of the vehicleindicator with the one or more stored images of known vehicleindicators; and when the vehicle indicator of the captured image is thesame as or matches one of the known vehicle indicators of the one ormore stored images, provide the sign-on application access to sign-oncredentials associated with matched stored image.
 12. The vehiclewireless connection system of claim 11, wherein vehicle sign-onapplication further comprises a login code button, wherein when thelogin code button is selected and a login code is entered, the centralserver processor is configured to retrieve the one or more stored imagescorresponding to role identified by the login code.
 13. A method forwirelessly connecting a portable computing device (PCD) to a vehicle,the method comprising: capturing an image of at least one vehicleindicator in an application of the PCD; sending the captured image ofthe vehicle indicator to a processor to compare the captured image ofthe vehicle indicator to one or more stored images of known vehicleindicators; when the vehicle indicator of the captured image is the sameas or matches one of the known vehicle indicators of the one or morestored images, providing a certification data file to the vehicle or acentral server to determine validity of one or more authorizationcertificates in the certification data file; and when the one or moreauthorization certificates in the certification data file are determinedvalid, connecting the PCD to the vehicle at a wireless access point. 14.The method of claim 13, wherein sending the captured image of thevehicle indicator to a processor further comprises identifying a role ofa user using the PCD by processing a login code input into theapplication of the PCD.
 15. The method of claim 13, further comprisingproviding the one or more authorization certificates of thecertification data file to a central server, wherein the central serveris configured to determine validity of the one or more certificates inthe certification data file.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein sendingthe captured image of the vehicle indicator to a processor furthercomprises causing the processor in the PCD to: receive the image of thevehicle indicator; receive the one or more stored images of knownvehicle indicators; and compare the captured image of the vehicleindicator image to the one or more stored images of known vehicleindicators.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein at least one of the oneor more authorization certificates in the certification data file isfacial image of a person.
 18. The method of claim 13, wherein providingcertification data file to the vehicle or a central server to determinevalidity of the certification data file further comprises loading thecertification data file on the PCD.
 19. A program product forimplementing a mobile application on a portable computing device (PCD),tangibly stored on a non-transitory storage medium, comprisinginstructions operable to cause at least one programmable processor inthe PCD to: capture an image of a vehicle indicator in a vehicle;compare, by the processor, the captured image of the vehicle indicatorto one or more stored images of known vehicle indicators; when thevehicle indicator of the captured image is the same as or matches one ofthe known vehicle indicators of the one or more stored images, provide acertification data file to the vehicle or a central server to determinevalidity of one or more authorization certificates in the certificationdata file; and when the one or more authorization certificates in thecertification data file are determined valid, connect the PCD to thevehicle at a wireless access point.
 20. The program product of claim 19,further comprising instructions to: store the image of the vehicleindicator in a memory of the PCD.